Business By Hormozi #275: Friendship Standards – Choosing Quality Over Quantity

The Trade-Off in Friendship Standards

"If you have low standards for friends, you will have many. If you have high standards for friends, you will have few.You can’t expect to only befriend exceptional people and then be surprised when there are not many of them."

In life and business, the people you surround yourself with shape your mindset, actions, and ultimately, your success. Many chase friendships based on quantity, believing that having a large social circle equals a fulfilling life.

But what if fewer, better relationships are the real key to success?

Here’s the story of Ryan, who learned the hard way that friendship standards matter more than numbers.

The Illusion of Many Friends

Ryan was the kind of guy who knew everyone. His phone was filled with contacts, his weekends packed with parties, and his DMs overflowing with conversations.

But when he started his own business, things changed.

• He needed support, but his “friends” were too busy.

• He wanted advice, but they didn’t understand his ambitions.

• He tried discussing big goals, but they only wanted to gossip and complain.

That’s when Ryan realized—he was surrounded by people, but he was alone.

The Hard Truth About Friendship Standards

One night, a mentor told him:

"If you want great friends, you need to have great friendship standards. And great people are rare."

That hit hard.

Ryan decided to change his approach:

1. He stopped chasing friendships based on convenience.

2. He set higher standards—seeking people who inspired, challenged, and pushed him.

3. He distanced himself from those who drained his energy.

And guess what?

His circle shrunk—but his life got better.

Choosing Quality Over Quantity in Friendships

1. Low Standards = Many Friends

If you accept anyone into your circle, you’ll always have company. But many will:

• Waste your time.

• Pull you into negativity.

• Hold you back from growth.

2. High Standards = Few, But Meaningful Friends

If you only connect with people who challenge you, push you, and inspire you, your friend count will drop—but your value in life will rise.

3. Don’t Be Surprised That Great Friends Are Rare

Just like in business, exceptional things are scarce. You can’t expect to surround yourself with extraordinary people without being selective.

The Outcome?

Ryan’s circle became smaller—but every friendship mattered. His new friends:

✅ Held him accountable.

✅ Encouraged his ambitions.

✅ Helped him grow personally and professionally.

And for the first time, he realized—it’s better to have a few real friends than a hundred fake ones.

Conclusion

"You can’t expect to only befriend exceptional people and then be surprised when there are not many of them."

Friendship is a choice, not a numbers game.

• Low standards bring many, but they drain you.

• High standards bring few, but they elevate you.

• If you want better friends, set better standards.

Because in the end, one great friend is worth more than a hundred average ones.

Moral: "Choose quality over quantity in friendships."